To find out more about these grants and their application criteria, please visit: Open programmes - Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust
For other latest AFCFT news, please see the links below:
July 17, 2026
Apply now: latest Covenant Fund Trust programmes
To find out more about these grants and their application criteria, please visit: Open programmes - Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust
For other latest AFCFT news, please see the links below:
Support for LGBT Veterans Impacted by the Armed Forces Ban (27 July 1967–12 January 2000)
Restorative Measures for LGBT Veterans Affected by the Armed Forces Ban (1967–2000)
The Ministry of Defence is delivering restorative measures to LGBT veterans impacted by the historic ban on LGBT personnel serving in the Armed Forces.
Measures Available are:
• Non-Financial Restorative Measures: Includes letters of apology, replacement discharge papers, restoration of rank/commission, the Etherton Ribbon, and more.
• Financial Recognition Scheme - Dismissed or Discharged Payment of £50,000 for LGBT veterans who were dismissed or discharged solely due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Financial Recognition Scheme – impact Payment of up to £20,000 to eligible LGBT veterans to recognise the broader impacts of the Ban, assessed by an Independent Panel.
Further information about the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, Non-Financial Restorative Measures, how to apply and support available can be found on the LGBT Veterans: support and next steps – GOV.UK page: LGBT veterans: support and next steps - GOV.UK
Financial Recognition Scheme payments are tax-free and will not affect means-tested benefits.
Eligible individuals must apply before both Schemes close at 23:59 on 12 December 2026
Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 16 July 2026
FamCAS 2026: SFA Satisfaction Continues to Improve
The Tri-Service Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) 2026 has been published today, providing valuable insight into the experiences of Service families and the issues that matter most to them, including housing.
This year’s results show a continued improvement in satisfaction among families living in SFA, building on the positive progress seen in recent years. Overall satisfaction has increased from 44% in 2023 to 53% in 2026, while levels of dissatisfaction have fallen over a number of key areas. Families have reported seeing the strongest improvements in maintenance and repairs, reflecting the continued work to improve the quality of homes and the support provided to Service families.
For further information, see the full article on Defence Homes here.
Keeping Communal Areas Clear
Residents are reminded not to leave rubbish, personal belongings, bicycles, Electric Powered Personal Vehicles (EPPVs), or any other items in communal corridors, stairways, landings, or access routes. Items left in these areas can create significant safety hazards, obstruct access and escape routes, and hinder emergency services during a fire or other emergency incident.
Where storage is required, residents should contact their local Housing Officer to check whether suitable storage facilities are available for items such as bicycles or Electric Powered Personal Vehicles.
Thank you for your support in helping to keep communal areas clear, safe, and accessible for all residents.
Hose Pipe Ban for areas across the UK
Following a period of intense summer heatwaves and record-breaking temperatures, water demand has increased significantly across parts of the UK. As a result, a number of water companies have introduced temporary hosepipe bans. Please check with your water provider to find out whether restrictions apply in your area.
Dorset: Teddies from the tower family event - Sat 18th July
Don't forget to bring your teddy.
Blandford: Garrison cinema showing 'Toy Story 5' - Sun 19th July
Food and drink available to purchase at the door.
Ticket prices
Adult (15+) £4
Senior (60+) £3
Student £3
Adult (15+) £4
Senior (60+) £3
Student £3
Cinema Price changes.
From 25 June to 1 September 2026 (inclusive), VAT will be cut from 20% to 5% on eligible activities and items, and this applies to certain cinema tickets.
This saving will be applied to all Family and Child tickets purchased during this period.
Was Now
Child Ticket £3 £2.63
Family Ticket £11 £9.63
For more information and to watch trailers click https://cinemas.bfbs.com/blandford
The BEST Pumpkin Patch in County Down returns this October... and tickets go on sale TODAY at 7:00pm!
The countdown is officially on!Get ready for another unforgettable Halloween at Mountpanther Farm Park, packed with pumpkin picking, spooky adventures, family fun and so much more.
Tickets go live TODAY at 7:00pm, so be sure to set your alarm and secure your preferred date early.
Here's What's Waiting for You...
- Step inside our spooky Science Lab
- Brave the Haunted House... if you dare!
- Halloween Scavenger Hunt
- Explore County Down's favourite Pumpkin Patch
- Fancy Dress Competition
- Scarecrow Disco
- Pumpkin Carving
- Meet our Spooky Characters
- Delicious Halloween Treats
- Straw Maze
- Amazing Halloween Photo Opportunities
- Spooky Sweet Shop
- Halloween Craft Corner
- Plus even MORE spooky surprises throughout the park! ✨
10th & 11th October
17th & 18th October
24th–31st October
Two sessions available each day
10:00am – 1:00pm
2:00pm – 5:00pm
For more information and how to book, click on the link below.
Service Police complaints: New website now live
The Service Police Complaints Commissioner (SPCC) has launched a new website – giving everyone in the Defence community a central place to find information about Service Police complaints and how to get help if things go wrong.
Acting SPCC, Jonathan Rees KC said:
“Service Police are committed to serving our Armed Forces community with integrity, fairness and accountability – and the SPCC provides independent oversight of complaints and conduct matters that relates to their work.
"Our new website makes it easier for people to understand who we are, how to access our services, and how we work independently. We are here to support those who are unhappy with how they were treated, to investigate where conduct and behaviour may have fallen short of the high standards that should be upheld, and to recognise where Service Police are working effectively – so that good practice and learning can be shared to support improvements.
"If you have had a poor experience with the Service Police, the website provides a clear route for raising your concerns and we are committed to providing fair, independent and timely decisions."
Independent watchdog for Service policing
The SPCC is an independent body, operating entirely separately from the Service Police, Defence and Government. It performs a similar function to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) – the organisation responsible for overseeing complaints about civilian police in England and Wales – but with responsibility for the Service Police.
It is important to know and understand that the SPCC has a specific role. Unlike the Armed Forces Commissioner, the SPCC only deals with complaints about Service policing.
The SPCC is an independent body, operating entirely separately from the Service Police, Defence and Government. It performs a similar function to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) – the organisation responsible for overseeing complaints about civilian police in England and Wales – but with responsibility for the Service Police.
It is important to know and understand that the SPCC has a specific role. Unlike the Armed Forces Commissioner, the SPCC only deals with complaints about Service policing.
A resource for all
The website is for everyone in the Defence community – Regular and Reserve personnel, Service family members, civil servants, and anyone subject to Service law or Service discipline.
It is also useful for specialists who work in the Service police complaints space – such as police officers, Professional Standards Department staff and legal colleagues.
Commanding officers, policy leads and welfare leads will find it helpful too, explaining the role they can play in pointing people towards the right support.
What you will find on the website
Farnborough College of Technology Ever Thought of a Career in Rail
Information provided by South East HIVE Hub
July 16, 2026
Gloucestershire: What's on this Summer around Gloucestershire
Please click the links below for a selection of local upcoming events and bookmark this page for any future updates! (Updated events may be added weekly and will show in bold text to indicate they are new)
Please note that new activities have been added to the long 'recurring list of event spaces, tourism websites, etc.' section so please check to see what's on near you!
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